noun
- the practice of cruising in shallow or protected waters, exploring small coves, inlets, and anchorages
Usage: nautical; informal
Examples
- They spent their vacation gunkholing along the Maine coast.
- Gunkholing allows sailors to discover hidden beaches and quiet anchorages.
- The shallow draft of their boat made gunkholing in the bay possible.
- Many retired sailors prefer gunkholing to long ocean passages.
- The guidebook recommended several spots perfect for gunkholing.
- Gunkholing requires careful attention to tides and water depth.